Flower Essences For Fear

With my own fearful dog Sunny I use a combination of different approaches to work with his fearfulness. I understand that there is no magic cure that will fix a fearful dog, but there are many different options for owners to try, which may help their dog feel less afraid or upset. Remember that for long term success with a fearful dog any drug or remedy must be combined with a program of desensitization and counter conditioning. Keep in mind that a dog that feels better, is going to act better, so don’t forget their emotional well being.

This week’s guest blog was written by Amit Karkare a Homeopathic Consultant & Certified Bach Flower Practitioner. I asked him to share information about flower essences that are commonly used to help dogs suffering from trauma and fear.

BACH FLOWER THERAPY FOR A FEARFUL DOG

Fear is one of the basic emotions that every living organism experiences and our beloved pets are not an exception. Though dogs are often known for their courageous attitude, some dogs do face situations where they exhibit signs of fright, requiring professional handling. Unlike human beings, who are able to express their emotions in a refined manner, dogs can’t communicate their feelings in an explicit way, but a close observation of their behavior can lead us to significant information about their mental state. A dog may display his fear in varied ways: he may try to escape from the room, or may stay motionless, or can become intensely restless, or can soil the room by submissive urination, or might bark / growl at the fear-object. In extreme cases he can even become destructive or dangerous.

Bach Flower Remedies

Bach Flower Remedies are a collection of 38 plant and flower-based remedies discovered in the 1930s by Dr Edward Bach, a Harley Street physician. Each Bach remedy deals with a specific negative emotion, so we can select and take one or more remedies to match the exact emotion or reactive pattern. These remedies can help our animals get over their own emotional difficulties. They are completely natural and harmless. Flower remedies help to restore the peace and harmony in the energy of our pets.

Treatment

As a part of any treatment, it is extremely essential to get the dog examined by a veterinarian, to rule out any signs of organic disease, which might manifest in the similar manner. Once it’s confirmed to be only a fear, it’s worth giving a well-suited Bach Flower Remedy a try. The selection of the remedy (-ies) is very simple and is based on the reaction pattern of the dog. Here are the most commonly used remedies for the fear seen in dogs:

Mimulus: Mimulus deals with fear of known causes. If you can identify the fear-object of your dog,  Mimulus may help him to get over it. The commonly seen fear of loud noises or fire crackers in dogs can be relieved with Mimulus. Some dogs are afraid of water being poured on them, a fear also which calls for Mimulus, a perfect addition to bath time.

Rock Rose: Rock rose is indicated for dogs that also show fear but in an extreme manner – in a state of panic. Thus an intense fear of known or unknown reason, but manifested in a state of panic calls for Rock Rose. A dog which walks through the whole house on tip-toes in a cautious and wary manner, might be relieved with Rock Rose. The key to the choice of this essence is the intensity of the fear reaction.

Star of Bethlehem: This remedy relieves the state of sudden shock or trauma. A puppy, who has seen an accident or has attacks of fright, a dog who was mishandled by his previous owner, or the one who has escaped a situation of great danger may find relief with this remedy to help them get over the state of shock or emotional trauma.

Walnut: Walnut is the remedy for adaptation. If a puppy brought from a breeder or your friend’s house, shows signs of fear in the process of getting used to the new environment, Walnut aids in adaptation. It can also be used for a dog separated from his mother and exhibiting fear.

Rescue Remedy: This is not a different remedy but a mixture of five remedies that are used to help with trauma. This can be used if you can not decide which remedy to be selected or if the state of your dog is an intense one, such as during an emergency. The unique formula contains Star of Bethlehem for shock, Rock Rose for terror and panic, Cherry Plum for lack of self-control, Impatiens for agitation, and Clematis to counteract faintness and bemusement.

Dosage
Two drops of the selected remedy (-ies) can be added to the watering bowls or food, that the dog will drink regularly. Otherwise, two drops (each) of the remedies can be added to a 30 ml bottle containing water and four-six drops from this treatment-bottle can be administered to the dog on regular basis (at least four times a day).

It can also be put directly in the mouth of your dog, if he allows. One can also drip few drops on the nose of the dog so that he can lick it off.
In case of emergency, where it is not possible to make the dog drink the medicine, few drops can be applied onto the back of the ears (being a sensitive skin area) which can get absorbed through the skin.

The remedy combination should be repeated until required. There would be no harm if you select an incorrect remedy or continue to administer the remedies even after their need is over. If any other pet drinks water from the same bowl, it should be fine, since the remedies do not modify healthy emotions.

If you would like to learn more about the application of Bach Flower Remedies visit

http://www.dramitkarkare.com